Chile-Lime Grilled Watermelon will be the hit of your summer BBQ! Sweet, subtly spicy and super refreshing, it’s the perfect side dish to all sorts of grilled foods.
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Add the tangy flavor of a lime, and the spicy flavor of a hot chile, to sweet, juicy watermelon and see what happens.
Grilling summer fruits is brilliant, if you ask me. Why not? It’s so delicious served with grilled meats — the contrast of flavors is incredible.
How to Grill Watermelon
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Preheat the grill and drizzle thick slices of watermelon with a neutral oil. (Grapeseed oil is perfect.)
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Once the grill is very hot, add the watermelon slices with a couple of inches between them. If you don’t hear a sizzling sound when the fruit hits the grill, it’s not hot enough. Wait for the sizzle or you won’t get the nice grill marks that we’re after.
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Grill just long enough to mark the watermelon, then flip the slices and grill for about 30 seconds.
- The goal is to mark the watermelon, adding the smoky flavor of the grill with a bit of crispness that comes along with it. We’re not cooking the melon.
I think this Chile-Lime Grilled Watermelon is an explosion of refreshing deliciousness!
And don’t you think it’s beautiful, too? Just imagine a full platter on the center of the barbecue buffet.
Cooking watermelon on the grill, and adding the char flavor makes this already cooling snack, all the more perfect for a hot summer day.
What goes with Chile-Lime Grilled Watermelon?
So many things! Burgers, grilled chicken, salads, cocktails, and more!
I love serving it at casual barbecues, alongside my Coffee-Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak and Fried Meyer Lemon Caesar Salad. Everyone loves this combination of dishes.
What does Chile-Lime Grilled Watermelon taste like?
Grilled watermelon tastes super sweet, super juicy, with a lovely subtle smoky, charred flavor from the grill.
And in the case of this recipe it’s also a bit tangy and spicy.
It’s delicious, of course! Enjoy!
Chile-Lime Grilled Watermelon will be the hit of you summer BBQ! Sweet, subtly spicy and super refreshing, it's the perfect side dish to all sorts of grilled foods.
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 1 teaspoon chile paste (I like Sambal Oelek)
- zest of 1/2 of a lime
- juice of 1/2 of a lime
- pinch of salt
- 8 small triangular wedges of seedless watermelon, about 1/2-inch thick
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In a small bowl, combine the oil, chile paste, lime zest and juice, and a pinch of salt.
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Place the watermelon slices in one layer on a baking sheet.
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Preheat a stove-top or outdoor grill.
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Use a whisk to make sure the chile-lime mixture is well blended, and then drizzle about half of it over the watermelon. Flip the slices over, and drizzle the rest on the other side.
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Once the grill is very hot, add the watermelon slices, being sure there is at least an inch or so between them. (If you don't hear a sizzling sound when the fruit hits the grill, it's not hot enough. Wait for the sizzle!)
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Grill just long enough to mark the watermelon, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip them over, and only grill the other side for about 30 seconds. (We want the watermelon to keep it's crunch.)
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Serve!
Colette ( Coco ) says
Grilled watermelon?!
I learn something new from you every time, Valentina. xo
Deb says
I just adore the lush, juicy watermelon photos! A fabulous recipe that just screams summer!
valentina says
Thank you, Deb! 🙂